Meet the Author

The FermentedlyChallenged blog has been retired since the end of October 2016. It has been a great 9 year run. Thanks to all the readers and brewery staff for all your support in the past. I'm living in the Denver metro area and working in the Cable TV industry now. Cheers and enjoy beer responsibly. Follow along on social media - @ChipperDave on Twitter and on Facebook.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Today is Mutt's Day. We've all seen a mutt, those scraggly looking, mixed-breed dogs that wander the streets and look like nobody cares for them. Help out a mutt today and consider adopting one from your local animal shelter. They may just end up being one of your best friends! If dogs just aren't your thing, you can always celebrate Harry Potter's Birthday today. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Thursday, July 31st, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Arvada Beer Co (Arvada) - Today's Brewers Limited Reserve release is a "Coffee 59er", a variation on their German-style Schwarzbier. Just 15 gallons of this are available. They also have a Vanilla 59er on tap today as well. Taste both and see which one you like best. [5600 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO]

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery (Denver) - Just a quick note that the brewery taproom will be closed for a private party today until 7pm, but will open to the public from 7pm to 10pm. [1139 20th St, Denver, CO] Sponsored ad from City Star Brewing - Berthoud, CO.

38 State Brewing Co (Littleton) - On August 1, 1876 Colorado joined the Union as the country's 38th state. Join in tomorrow Friday, August 1 at 38 State Brewing, to celebrate the Centennial State's 138th birthday as 38 State presents: "A Happy Firkin Birthday Party". This Firkin Party will see two brand new brews tapped in honor of 138 - a true to style Porter, as well as a unbelievable Vanilla Porter that is sure to impress even the most savvy beer connoisseurs. The party continues with a Cornhole Tourney, Big Brick Jenga, prizes, giveaways, cold brews, food from The Rolling Italian, and good times had by all! So, wear your best CO gear, shine your shoes, and prepare yourself - It's going to be one heck of a Firkin Birthday Party! [8071A S Broadway, Littleton, CO]

River North Brewery (Denver) - [PRESS RELEASE] River North Tripel Releases August 9th. While other breweries get ready to release pumpkin beers, River North still has a taste for summer. On Saturday, August 9th at 1pm, the brewery will release River North Tripel, a 9.2% ABV Belgian-style Golden Strong Ale. Rich with notes of apricot, pear and lemon, River North Tripel is perfect for late-August temperatures. Finishing dry on the tongue, this brew is light in body but still delivers the depth of flavor River North is known for. “This is my kind of summer beer,” head brewer Matt Hess said. “We've been dreaming of brewing a beautiful golden strong ale for years. It’s one of my favorite styles, but you have to get it right.” River North will only release one batch of Tripel. Both draft pours and bottles-to-go ($9) will be available at the taproom release party August 9th. More bombers will arrive on store shelves throughout Colorado the following week, with a few select bars receiving kegs. [2401 Blake St #1, Denver, CO]

AC Golden Brewing Co (Golden) - AC Golden Brewing Company and Colorado Native Amber Lager are celebrating Colorado's 138th birthday tomorrow, August 1. Tune in to the Colorado Rockies game on Root Sports tomorrow (Aug. 1) and join in a special statewide birthday toast with Governor Hickenlooper and AC Golden Brewing Company president Glenn Knippenberg during the 7th inning stretch. Colorado Native also will be holding birthday promotions in bars all around Colorado throughout August. Colorado Native Amber Lager, brewed by AC Golden Brewing Company, is made with 100 percent Colorado ingredients -- Rocky Mountain water, barley from the San Luis Valley, Colorado-grown hops and the oldest strain of brewing yeast in the state.

Falling Rock Tap House (Denver) - Come by Falling Rock tonight for a FREE beer. Denver off the Wagon and SeshFest are buying the beers. Until the keg runs dry that is. Stop by at 5pm for a session beer and a balloon! That's right. A balloon. [1919 Blake St, Denver, CO]

Sesh Fest (Denver) - Want to attend a beer event that won’t make your tastebuds, wallet or day-after self unhappy? Then look no further. Sesh Fest, the second event in the Lovibond Series presented by The Colorado Brewers Guild and Imbibe Denver, is an event where attendees can sample a multitude of beers without feeling the overwhelming effects of alcohol. It's happening this Saturday, August 2nd. Even the price of admission is palatable; tickets start at $20 for six 6oz pours and $30 for unlimited tastings. More info on SeshFest. [Sculpture Park, 1101 13th St, Denver, CO]

Wonderland Brewing Co (Broomfield) - With the success of last week's $2 off WonderCan special, they are back at it again! Remember, if you buy 6 WonderCans you'll get to take home a pair of Wonderland glassware. Also, "Show Us Your Cans" will be starting up soon. Don't know what that is? You'll find out next week! ‪#‎ThirstyThursday‬ [5450 W 120th Ave, Broomfield, CO]

Strange Craft Beer Co (Denver) - What has Key Limes, Oranges and Oak Spirals soaked in Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine Tequila? Why yes, it's their Margarita Saison Firkin! Join in for another Firkin Thursday, this one should be delicious. They tapped it at 3 pm. They also have a brand new food truck - Truck Yeah will be joining in this evening with slider and tater tot creations. [1330 Zuni St, Suite M, Denver, CO]

Twisted Pine Brewing Co (Boulder) - Twisted Pine is happy to be supporting Colorado Hike for Honor, a group who supports Colorado's wounded veterans, by donating 10% of their sales for the entire day today. If you make a suggested donation of $20 or more today in their taproom, they will enter you into a drawing for a Never Summer Industries snowboard or longboard. Stop in for food or brews and support a great cause. [3201 Walnut St, Suite A, Boulder, CO]

Boulder Craft Beer Festival (Boulder) - [PRESS RELEASE] The first ever Boulder Craft Beer Festival presented by Liquor Mart and produced by Downtown Boulder, Inc. (DBI) will take place from noon – 5 p.m. on August 23 in West Central Park (west of Broadway on Canyon Boulevard). The event will highlight 20 of Boulder County’s 30 craft breweries. The event will delight any new or seasoned craft beer drinker and enthusiast! Attendees will expand their pallet by sampling 40 craft beers on tap, live music (Andy Hackbarth from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. and The Hill Benders from 3 – 5 p.m.), mouthwatering food (for purchase) and maybe get in a game or two of ping-pong and cornhole. Attendees will enjoy unlimited 2 oz pours of each breweries unique libations. Ticket prices are $30 in advance and can be purchased online at BoulderCraftBeerFest.com. (Tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $35 staring at 11:30 a.m. on the west side of the City of Boulder Municipal Building – on Canyon Boulevard at 11th Street.) The ticket price includes unlimited samples, a commemorative sampling glass and tasty snacks provided by Glutino & Udi's Gluten Free.

Left Hand Brewing (Longmont) - With the coming of August, it also means the coming of Oktoberfest season and one of the first Oktoberfest brews to be released will be Left Hand's Oktoberfest Marzen Lager. It'll be on tap tomorrow, August 1st in their Tasting Room starting at 5pm. Also available in bottles. Time to dust off your lederhosen once again. [1265 Boston Ave, Longmont, CO]

Front Range Brewing Co (Lafayette) - Good news nitro fans! FRBC just received their nitro tap equipment and will be installing it next week. Look for some beers on nitro starting very soon. Tonight, they have a Bluegrass Jam starting at 7pm. Their refreshing Belgian Tripel is on tap too. [400 W South Boulder Rd, Suite 1650, Lafayette, CO]

Wild Woods Brewery (Boulder) - Shhh....do you hear that? It's the sound of SILENCE, such a magnificent aspect of being out in the wild woods! Today they bring back their SILENCE LAGER, a Czech style pilsner brewed with noble hops. Crisp and clean, this refreshing beer has been quietly lagering for a few months. See you after 4pm! [5460 Conestoga Ct, Boulder, CO]

Northern Colorado

Pateros Creek Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - Pateros Creek has several beers in the pipeline that will soon be tapped in August. Next up is their "SchwarzSaber Black Lager" that will be tapped on Friday, August 1st at 5pm. Get a free taster until 5:15pm. Celebrate the new beer with a toast at 5:30pm with the brewers. The SchwarzSaber Black Lager is their Pro-Am beer that they are entering in at the Great American Beer Festival along with homebrewer Preston Hartman. Later in the month and also September, look forward to these beer tappings: Arthur's Ruach Smoked Lager, Stevetoberfest Marzen, Prairie Bandit Wheat, and Mt. Massive Imperial IPA. Pateros Creek also now has a Beer App! Download it from the Apple Store or Google Play. [242 N College Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

The Fort Collins Brewery (Ft. Collins) - Tomorrow, Friday August 1st, FCB will release their Oktoberfest Lager. This brew will be both on tap and in bottles. Coming up later in August tap club members and look forward to these Colorado-only beers: FCB's Blonde on August 15th, 24 Carat IPA on Aug 22nd, and This Little Figgy (brown ale w/figs) also on August 22nd. In other news, FCB just won two bronze medals for Wallace Wee Heavy and their Smoked Marzen at the 2014 US Open Beer Championship held in Atlanta - Grats! [1020 E Lincoln Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) - On Saturday, August 16th in the taproom, Grimm Brothers will welcome the return of "The Farmer's Daughter" Oktoberfest Lager. If you happen to be at the Gnarly Barley Beer Fest this weekend, stop by the Grimm Bros booth and get a $1 off bottle coupon for this beer. August is "Dry Hopped Firkin Month" featuring a different dry-hopped Grimm Bros beer every Friday. Tomorrow, August 1st they'll tap a firkin of Odds & Ends with Columbus hops. And on August 9th, look for the release of "True Bride", a Kolsch-style beer. [623 N Denver Ave, Loveland, CO]

Wilbur's Total Beverage (Ft. Collins) - Join in at Wilbur's for their first FREE weekly Friday beer tasting (3:00pm-6:30pm)! This Friday (August 1st) they will be featuring Odell Brewing Co, tasting their Fifty Niner, Myrcenary, Double Pilsner, and Footprint! Just bring your I.D. and find them in the southeast corner of the store! Come on down, it should be a fun weekend! [2201 S College Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

Southern Front Range

Red Leg Brewing Co (Colorado Springs) - Tomorrow, Friday 8/1 they are releasing a new limited release beer, dubbed August Rye! Tapping at 5PM! Not only that but they are opening at noon! Sunday 8/3 is Stretch and Suds, yoga + beer extravaganza! $20 gets you 1 hr of vinyasa yoga, 2 tasters AND 1 full pint of beer! The fun begins at 11AM, sign up now! [4630 Forge Rd Suite B, Colo. Springs, CO]

Mountains and West

Elevation Beer Co (Poncha Springs) - [PRESS RELEASE] Elevation Beer Company® is set to release its next seasonals in its Black Series and Double Black Series of Seasonal specialty and barrel-aged beers. Elevation will release its Wild Flowers Imperial Saison in the Black Series, while Fanboy it’s virgin oak barrel-aged Double IPA will be released in its Double Black Series. “We changed up Wild Flowers this year, using a different Saison yeast strain, says head brewer and Elevation Co-founder Christian Koch, “This resulted in a drier finish, which has made the beer a tad more traditional to the style.” Elevation was rewarded for this slight change in recipe with a Gold Medal for Wild Flowers in the Saison/Farmhouse Category earlier this month at the US Open Beer Championship. Marking this their fourth medal in that contest over the past two years. Elevation is also re-releasing Fanboy, which was aged this year in a combination of first and second use Virgin Oak barrels custom made for the brewery. “Fanboy sat in barrels for 8 months before being blended with a fresh Double IPA base and then dry-hopped to giving it its signature blend of oak, vanilla, and citrus. It is a big grapefruit bomb this year and we are extremely excited for it.” Exclaims Koch. Both beers will be finding their way to liquor stores and beer bars in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas starting in August. [115 Pahlone Pkwy, Salida, CO]

Breckenridge Brew Pub (Breckenridge) - The official release of Side Door Tangerine Saison will be on Monday August 4th at their Drink with the Brewer Event 4-6pm. Come sample some brews and talk beer with our Brewmaster Jimmy Walker. [600 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO]
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Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Today is Father In-Law Day. Do something nice for your better half's old man today. Consider taking him out for a beer and letting him know how much you appreciate everything he did for your spouse over the years. Who knows, he may just repay the favor someday with a beer for you. Worst case scenario, if you and the in-laws just don't get along you can always celebrate National Cheesecake Day! Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Wednesday, July 30th, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Living The Dream Brewing (Littleton) - The brewery is adding Wednesdays to their taproom hours, and will now be open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 1pm. This Thursday, July 31st, they are releasing the Belgian Brune at 3pm. It's a traditional abbey style brown, although they'd love to call it a Trappist beer, they unfortunately cannot due to the lack of monks living at the brewery. This Friday at 3pm they are releasing their annual summer seasonal: the Colorado Wildflower Honey Saison. It is a true farmhouse style ale that is nicely balanced with the addition of Colorado honey. Keep it local! [12305 Dumont Way, Unit A, Littleton, CO]

CAUTION: Brewing Co (Lakewood) - This brew arrived early, just for you! They've officially tapped their returning favorite "Kissing Cousins Chocolate Banana Hefeweizen". They managed to capture the dark chocolate notes without changing the color. Stop in at CAUTION: West tonight and enjoy a glass for $4 during their Karaoke night from 7-10pm. And as always #partywithcaution [1057 S Wadsworth Blvd #60, Lakewood, CO] Sponsored ad from City Star Brewing - Berthoud, CO.

Hops & Pie (Denver) - Tonight is $2 Craft Can Night from 5pm to close. Plus, they have several new beers on tap today including: Pliny the Elder from Russian River, Double Dry Hopped Vieille from Crooked Stave, Raspberry Provincial from Funkwerks Sucre from The Bruery, and Woodside Tripel from Perennial. [3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO]

River North Brewery (Denver) - Don't forget they will be tapping their Rum Barrel Quandary at 3pm today for Wayward Wednesday. They'll also have Matt's snack Shack on site serving up some hot and spicy wings. Stay dry in the taproom. [2401 Blake St, Unit 1, Denver, CO]

Station 26 Brewing Co (Denver) - Tomorrow, Station 26 plans to tap a special firkin of a Cream Ale infused with blueberries, vanilla and cinnamon. Get some! [7045 E 38th Ave, Denver, CO]

Strange Craft Beer Co (Denver) - It's officially Humpday AND One Barrel Wednesday! Today they are tapping their Passionfruit Pale. A classic style American Pale Ale that has mild notes of Passion Fruit on the nose and in the tasting. Stats: 5.25% ABV and 33 IBUs. Light and delicious! [1330 Zuni St, Suite M, Denver, CO]

Boulder County

Crystal Springs Brewing Co (Louisville) - Angel Wheat is back on tap in the taproom and they just added a new Cherry Wheat as well. It’s a great beer for hot days! Next week they’ll be re-releasing the first in their Original Series, Wuerzburger Helles Bock. Read all about it in this week’s Daily Camera Friday Magazine. Every fermenter is full now almost all the time. They currently have Butch, Wuerzburger, Summertime, Naughty Marilyn, Tic Wit, Doc’s and And Bob’s Your Uncle in the fermenters and several beers aging in barrels. In the coming weeks, they’ll have several new treats for you and the return of some old ones. [657 S Taylor Ave, Louisville, CO]

Boulder Beer Co (Boulder) - [PRESS RELEASE] Boulder Beer Company, Colorado’s First Craft Brewery, will release their small batch, limited-edition seasonal beer called Dragonhosen Imperial Oktoberfest the week of August 4th. This is its second year in their seasonal lineup. Brewed with generous amounts of Vienna and Munich malts for a rich, full-bodied malty flavor, Dragonhosen begins as a traditional Oktoberfest lager, then stealthily breathes fire with 9% alcohol by volume. Hallertau and Czech Saaz hops add balance with a mild earthy aroma and flavor with moderate bitterness. “We received such positive customer feedback on Dragonhosen last year,” said Tess McFadden, Marketing Director at Boulder Beer. “The only downside was that it wasn’t ready early enough, so we’re releasing Dragonhosen a month earlier this year to make sure it ships to out of state markets in plenty of time for the full Oktoberfest season.” Dragonhosen Imperial Oktoberfest will be available in most markets where Boulder Beer is sold in 22-ounce bottles and draught. [2880 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO]

Upslope Brewing Co (Boulder) - Get out of the rain and into something hoppy in their Flatiron Park taproom. They've tapped their new Black IPA today. This brew was dry-hopped with Simcoe hops and weighs in at a mighty 8.2% ABV. Woot! [1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO]

Very Nice Brewing Co (Nederland) - Today their Gruit is back on tap. This brew was made with yarrow, lemon balm, rose petals, honey, but no hops! Give one a try! [20 Lakeview Dr, Unit 113, Nederland, CO]

J Wells Brewery (Boulder) - Rain got you down? Stop in for a Lights Out Russian Imperial Stout. This one weighs in at 9.5% ABV and is rich, malty and great for a relatively cool day like today. [2516 49th St, Suite 5, Boulder, CO]

Vindication Brewing Co (Boulder) - Sadly, their Bishop's Hammer Imperial IPA is now gone, but luckily they have a replacement! Today they will unveil the "Cougar In The Rye", a 7.5% rye ale dry-hopped with Chinook hops! Tapping happens around 4pm! [6880 Winchester Circle, Boulder, CO]

Northern Colorado

Black Bottle Brewery (Ft. Collins) - Are you going to Sesh Fest this weekend? If so, Black Bottle Brewery will be pouring two new beers for that event. Be sure to stop by the Black Bottle booth and ask for a "Doby" or a "Built to Spill". Both highly sessionable! [1611 S College Ave, Unit 1609, Ft. Collins, CO]

Broken Plow Brewery (Greeley) - Join in tonight for their first themed trivia party - it's a HAWAIIAN LUAU starting at 7pm. Sure it's a little damp outside but it's that way in Hawaii A LOT! Come in your brightest, most colorful, outrageous and authentic tropical garb and your team will get an extra point added to your final score. Plus you'll receive a bag of Luau must-haves and you could win a prize in our "Tropical Outfit" contest! Their Trivia Luau will be complete with tropical music and all five rounds relating to the theme. [4731 W 10th St, Unit G, Greeley, CO]

Iron Bird Brewing Co (Colorado Springs) - Their Opening Day has been officially announced as Saturday, August 16th! This will be the 2nd brewery to open south of the downtown area in about a month. This brewery plans to offer a selection of cask ales, up to 4 at a time, plus 9 other beers and some experimental beers. Plan to visit when they open. [402 S Nevada Ave, Colo. Springs, CO]

Bristol Brewing Co (Colorado Springs) - Spice up your week at the Bristol Brewing with the release of their RyePA (aka #BrewhouseRye) tomorrow, July 31st at 5:30pm. If you use hashtag #BrewhouseRye during the event, you'll be entered into a drawing for a RyePA swag bag. [1604 S Cascade Ave, Colo. Springs, CO]

Mountains and West

Fat Abbey Brewing Co (Delta) - There has been a major setback in bringing this new brewery to reality. Fat Abbey just lost the least to the building they had hoped to open in within days of signing the lease. While they restart their search for a building, they plan to bring their root beer (non-alcoholic) to market sometime in August. They have a backup plan that might allow them to open their brewery by the end of the year or just into the new year.
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Catch up on Colorado Beer News from earlier this week: Monday | Tuesday

Like us on Facebook - There's even more Colorado beer happenings and discussions on the Fermentedly Challenged Facebook Page. Find recaps, special offers, and tips that you won't find on the blog.

Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Today is the 60th Anniversary of the initial release of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first part of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings". The popular tail of how a small group of Hobbits helped to save the land of Middle Earth. This story is still quite popular today with the upcoming release of the 6th movie in the series of stories from Middle Earth. So today, drink a pint in honor of J.R.R. Tolkien, watch one of the movies and enjoy! Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Tuesday, July 29th, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Rock Bottom Brewery (Denver) - August brings two new beer tappings. On Wednesday, August 6th at 6pm, stop in for a taste of their "Liquid Sun" Saison. And then on Wednesday, August 20th at 6pm they'll tap "Denver Steam", a California-style Common. Get a complimentary glass of each one for the first half hour up until 6:30pm each day. [1001 16th St, Unit A-100, Denver, CO]

Copper Kettle Brewing Co (Denver) - July's Cask Month concludes tomorrow, Wednesday July 30th, with a cask tapping of a "Vanilla Bean Mexican Chocolate Stout". With a limited quantity, this brew won't last the night. Stop in for a glass. Also, part four of their barrel aged series "Sobremesa" is scheduled to be released in wax dipped bottles next Friday, August 8th. It's a lime agave pale ale aged in tequila barrels and is a sessionable 4.8% ABV. [1338 S Valentia St, Unit 100, Denver, CO] Sponsored ad from City Star Brewing - Berthoud, CO.

Barrels & Bottles Brewery (Golden) - Pucker up this Sunday Sour Lovers! on August 3r Barrels & Bottles is hosting "The Sour Incident" and will be pouring a wide variety of sour ales from the US and even Europe. Sour beers from 10 different breweries will be pouring including: Brouwerij Liefmans, Brouwerij Bockor, Uinta Brewing, Odell Brewing, Russian River, Crooked Stave, Trinity Brewing, Prairie Artisan Ales, The Bruery and one of their own sour ales. This event runs from 2pm to 8pm or until the beer runs out. No admission fee, just order and pay for what you like. [600 12th St, Golden, CO]

Elk Mountain Brewing (Parker) - Bring in your Elk Mountain logo growlers today for a discounted fill (every Tuesday). Also, don't miss the special beer tappings on Friday, August 1st during the first day of their Anniversary Party. They will be tapping the Red Head RIPA at 12pm noon and the Whiskey barrel Brown at 5pm. [18921 Plaza Dr, Parker, CO]

River North Brewery (Denver) - For tomorrow's Wayward Wednesday tapping, they'll dig into the cellar and pull out a single keg of "Rum Barrel Quandary"! In the meantime, those brave enough to beat the rain can enjoy both Barrel Reserve 2014 and Grand Unified Theory on tap! [2401 Blake St, Unit 1, Denver, CO]

Boulder County

West Flanders Brewing Co (Boulder) - Tapping today! Stop in and join Brewmaster Brian has he taps their "Tres Rubias", a tequila barrel-aged tripel. There's just one keg of this 8.0% ABV brew, so better get a glass early. [1125 Pearl St, Boulder, CO]

Northern Colorado

High Hops Brewery (Windsor) - On your next brewery visit, stop by the Greenhouse and check out the big sale. They've even got some 1 gallon hop plants 20% off. Tomorrow, High Hops will tap a new firkin of a Dry-Hopped Lager at 5pm. This is a sessionable India Pale Lager (IPL) and is dosed with an extra helping of citrusy, Cascade hops, but it light enough for the "non-hoppy" beer drinkers. As always, live music this Thursday, Friday and Saturday with food trucks Wednesday through Sunday. [6461 Hwy 392, Windsor, CO]

The Fort Collins Brewery (Ft. Collins) - [PRESS RELEASE] On Friday (August 1st), The Fort Collins Brewery is excited to release its brand new fall seasonal, Oktoberfest. FCB’s Oktoberfest was brewed as a tribute to one of the most cherished recipes using old world German techniques and ingredients. A single decoction mash unleashes the complexity and depth of the Vienna, Munich and Caramel malts that create this beer’s distinct aroma and flavor. German noble hops balance this rich and malty lager with a delicate herbal and spicy bouquet of aromas. Prost! Stats: ABV 5.4%, IBU 24, SRM 7. “Our Oktoberfest is a true to style brew using 100 percent German malts and hops,” said FCB’s Lead Brewer, Adam Glaser. “We have a history of making classic German lagers, and with the commissioning of our new brew haus this past year, creating an Oktoberfest was quite enticing.” Oktoberfest will be available to FCB’s 22-state distribution through the fall season in 6-packs and on draft, along with the Brewer’s Lunch Box, a variety 12-pack. [1020 E Lincoln Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

Black Bottle Brewery (Ft. Collins) - Today their "Roll Down the Windows Dad" Smoke Lager is back on tap. Also, it's guest brewery night. John Kure from Left Hand Brewing Company will be in the Black Bottle tap room tonight. He'll be bringing some sweet swag and promos starting at 5pm. To qualify, just order their Sawtooth Ale. [1611 S College Ave, Unit 1609, Ft. Collins, CO]

Funkwerks (Ft. Collins) - It's another Double Stamp Tuesday. Bring in your bottle card (or sign up for a new one) and when you buy a bottle of any Funkwerks beer you'll get two stamps on your card. 6 stamps = a free bottle! And FYI - they have the last bottles of Raspberry Provincial available for the season. Get them while they last. [1900 E Lincoln Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) - Who ants $3 pints? Be there from 5pm to 8pm today and you'll be HAPPY you did. Come on get Happy... And don't forget, this Thursday at 6pm come get your Celtic rock on with The Stubby Shillelaghs. [623 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO]

Paradox Beer Co (Woodland Park) - There new glasses are in! They now have new 10.5oz "Poko Grande" glasses in from Libbey which they are now using for cask and bottle pours in their Tasting Room/Cellar. Stop in and test drive any of the 14 beers on their chalkboard in this curvy new model. Swirl, sniff, sip, savor, salivate, repeat. [106 E Village Terrace, Suite 100, Woodland Park, CO]

Mountains and West

Breckenridge Brew Pub (Breckenridge) - Today, their "Alpenglow Beery Lager" is back on tap. It's a sweet and juicy summer brew. Also, head up to Summit County next Monday for "Drinking with the Brewer" at Breckenridge Brew Pub. First Mondays the August edition is coming up next week. Join in Monday August 4th 4-6pm to sample some tasty brews and have some fun. [600 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO}

Steamworks Brewing CO (Durango) - Remember the classic Manhattan cocktail? Now you can have your craft beer with a Manhattan twist as Firkin Fridays continues at Steamworks Brewing Co. on Friday, Aug. 1, 2014. The “Firkin in the Rye” firkin cask will be tapped at 3pm. “We have just tapped the ‘Wanna Git Rye’ craft beer at the brewpub, and wanted to feature that beer, so we took the opportunity to use it as the base for the ‘Firkin in the Rye’ firkin,” said Steamworks Brewer and Certified Cicerone® Spencer Roper, describing the Wanna Git Rye as a light brown ale that uses rye malt in the mash. “We've found the rye lends a nice dry finish to the beer. It is also a fairly hoppy beer with generous hop additions for both flavor and aroma.” “For the firkin, the beer was re-fermented with oak spirals soaked in Bullet rye whiskey and sweet cherry puree,” said Steamworks Brew Master and Certified Cicerone® Ken Martin. “This creates the tweak on the classic Manhattan, with the hops representing the bitters.” [801 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO]

Broken Compass Brewing (Breckenridge) - All you bike-riding, mountain-hiking beer lovers rejoice: their crisp, refreshing Helles is back on tap to quench all of your post exercise thirsts! And for you dark beer lovers of the world, their Coconut Porter will be back on later tonight. [68 Continental Ct, Unit B12, Breckenridge, CO]

Dillon Dam Brewery (Dillon) - Now on tap: Black Weiss. This is an imperial black wheat with honey and vanilla accents to a chocolate-covered graham cracker malt backbone. It was fermented on their special south German yeast for a touch of spicy cloves and banana, and then aged on fresh crushed cherries and black cherry wood chips. Yum! [100 Little Dam Rd, Dillon, CO]
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Like us on Facebook - There's even more Colorado beer happenings and discussions on the Fermentedly Challenged Facebook Page. Find recaps, special offers, and tips that you won't find on the blog.

Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Today is the 100th Anniversary of the start of World War 1. On this fateful day in 1914, Austria-Hungary had declared war on Serbia over the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist. Soon after more and more countries got involved. it wasn't until about 5 years later on July 28, 1919 that the Treaty of Versailles was signed formally ending the war. Take some time today to toast to all those brave soldiers who fought and died defending our country in that war. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Monday, July 28, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Dry Dock Brewing Co (Aurora) - Have you gotten your bottles of Dry Dock's "Bligh's Barleywine Ale" yet? Bottles are now available in stores from Ft. Collins all the way down to Colorado Springs. This is their big annual beer that was aged for 7 months in whiskey barrels. Get a bottle or two before it's all gone for another year. [15120 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO]

Great American Beer Festival (Denver) - OK here's your LAST REMINDER that tickets for the 2014 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) go on sale THIS WEEK! For AHA/BA members, the sale starts at 10am MDT TOMORROW, July 29th. And for the General Public, tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 30th at 10am MDT at Ticketmaster.com. Members-only session tix are $65 each, other session tix are $80 each ($75 for members). Over 3,000 beers will be tapped at this HUGE annual event in the Colorado Convention Center October 2-4, 2014. Don't get left out! Sponsored ad from City Star Brewing - Berthoud, CO.

38 State Brewing Co (Littleton) - On August 1, 1876 Colorado joined the Union as the country's 38th state. Join in on Friday, August 1 at 38 State Brewing, to celebrate the Centennial State's 138th birthday as 38 State presents: "A Happy Firkin Birthday Party". This Firkin Party will see two brand new brews tapped in honor of 138 - a true to style Porter, as well as a unbelievable Vanilla Porter that is sure to impress even the most savvy beer connoisseurs. The party continues with a Cornhole Tourney, Big Brick Jenga, prizes, giveaways, cold brews, food from The Rolling Italian, and good times had by all! So, wear your best CO gear, shine your shoes, and prepare yourself - It's going to be one heck of a Firkin Birthday Party! [8071A S Broadway, Littleton, CO]

Barley's Angels (Denver & Boulder) - Attention Ladies - Barley's Angels is planning two events this week. In Denver, today at Copper Kettle Brewing at 7pm come for Beer & Voodoo Doughnuts. This event will challenged your expectation of a traditional beer pairing. And in Boulder on July 30th, meet at OB Home Made Liquids & Solids in Longmont for a guided trolley tour of the OB Hops & Heifers Farm. Start off with a beer & nacho bar, board the trolley to the hop farm, and then return back to the restaurant for another brew. Visit www.barleysangelscolorado.com to sign up and for more info. Plus! On August 5th at 7pm, sign up for Cupcakes and Cold Ones on Sanitas Brewing's patio and meet the Boulder Bombers roller derby team. This summer event includes your first craft brew, a cupcake pairing by The Whisk Sisters, brewery info, and games of cornhole and bocce on the patio that won Westword's "2014 Best new Brewery Patio" award.

Blue Spruce Brewing (Centennial) - Happy Hour happens daily Monday - Friday from 3-6pm where you can get $1 off all beers and select appetizers. Also, their Apricot Blonde took 3rd place at the Arapahoe County Fair over the weekend. Come try out this tasty brew on your next visit. [4151 E County Line Rd, Unit G, Centennial, CO]

Mu Brewery (Aurora) - Two great weekly events are happening at Mu Brewery. Tomorrow, July 29th at 6:30pm, stop in for Mu Trivia. Then on Thursday, July 31st, bring your poker face for Texas Hold'em at 7pm. Mu Brewery is open 7 days a week. Stop by and try out their line-up of craft beers. [9735 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO]

Hops in the Hangar (Denver) - From pales to stouts, flights to bombers, Wings Over the Rockies will host some of Colorado's best breweries in their 1930s Air Force hangar during "Hops in the Hangar" on Saturday, August 16th from 6pm to 10pm. Sample beer, savor delicious food from Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and enjoy the soulful sounds of a Blues Brothers tribute band while surrounded by aviation history. Tickets are available for advance purchase at WingsMuseum.org. Ages 21+ only, please. Save $5 when you get your tickets in advance online over the door price. [7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO]

Joyride Brewing CO (Edgewater) - Joyride is having a cornhole tournament tonight in their new beer garden out back, and they still have open spots for 3 more teams. There'll be gift certificates for the top two teams, and the 1st place team gets an automatic entry into the state championship Aug. 3rd in Denver. The fun starts at 6pm, so get there early to register and remember to bring your A game! [2501 Sheridan Blvd, Edgewater, CO]

Saint Patricks' Brewing Co (Englewood) - Expansion update: The brewery will stay open in Englewood thru the middle of September. The rest of Sept. and Oct. will be used to finish up the new space at 2852 Bowles Avenue in Littleton, Colorado and install their 7-bbl brewhouse (and 16 fermenters) and brew more lager beer. They will be posting more updates soon. [4750 S Santa Fe Circle, Unit 2, Englewood, CO]

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery (Denver) - Jagged Mountain has a great event coming up this Sunday, August 3rd. As part of their non-profit program, Wild Wings Environmental Education will be bringing in two owls (including Sophie the Great Horned Owl, a peregrine falcon, and an American kestrel into their taproom from 3-7pm on Sunday to help inform and educate everyone about the importance of birds of prey in the ecosystem. $1 from each beer sold that day will be donated to Wild Wings. Come on out for a great time and great cause! [1139 20th St, Denver, CO]

Kokopelli Beer Co (Westminster) - Feel like going to Sesh Fest this weekend? Anybody 21+ who stops in to Kokopelli Beer Company and signs up for their VIP mug club OR their growler club will be entered into a drawing to win 2 tickets to this Saturday's Sesh Fest! Feelin' lucky? [8931 Harlan St, Westminster, CO]

Boulder County

Avery Brewing Co (Boulder) - This Sunday, August 3rd from 12pm to 5pm is their big "21st Anniversary Party Family Reunion" at the Avery Brewing. This will be the last Anniversary party at their old location (next year they'll be in their new Gunbarrel location). Tickets are $40 (plus Eventbrite fee) and include six beers, a commemorative glass, and live tunes from Paa Kow's By All Means Band & Liebermonster. Proceeds go to charity. There will be 70+ rare and vintage brews available - many from Adam Avery's cellar. Designated Driver tickets also available for $20. Tickets and more info at Eventbrite. [5763 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO]

Left Hand Brewing Co (Longmont) - This Saturday marks the return of one of Left Hand Brewing's biggest events of the year: LEFTAPALOOZA! Featuring 8 rockin' tribute bands. Just $10 gets you music all day long from 12pm to 10pm. Enjoy the best of the rock genre from the classic early 60s rock n' roll all the way to alternative funk. This is a fundraising event to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Bands will pay tribute to The Police, The Allman Brothers, Stone Temple Pilots, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The B-52s, The Beatles, and The Eagles. Park offsite at Twin Peak Charter Academy. Plenty of food and beer will be available as well. Rain or shine. Tickets at BrownPaperTickets. [1265 Boston Ave, Longmont, CO]

Front Range Brewing Co (Lafayette) - Something to look forward to... Today they are kegging up their rum barrel fermented red ale. Look for this to go on tap next Friday. Meanwhile, enjoy their Baltic Porter that was recently put on tap with a slight facelift. [400 W South Boulder Rd, Suite 1650, Lafayette, CO]

Northern Colorado

Black Bottle Brewery (Ft. Collins) - Sour lovers - mark your calendars now for Saturday, August 9th. That's the day when they will release "American Graffiti", an American Sour ale. This one weighs in at 7.3% ABV, bittered with Equinox hops and is loaded with all the funk that Brettanomyces can give it. Available in bottles. [1611 S College Ave, Unit 1609, Ft. Collins, CO]

Odell Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - Due to their quarterly co-worker meeting today, Odell's tasting room will NOT be open today. They will re-open on Tuesday, July 29th for regular business hours. Stock up on Odell beer at your local beer store today. [800 E Lincoln Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

City Star Brewing (Berthoud) - Plenty of activities at City Star this week. Today is "FREE BEER MONDAY". Get a free beer with every 64oz growler fill. Tuesday brings their monthly themed Potluck Dinner. This month the theme is BBQ. Bring a dish at 6:30pm. Wednesday brings Trivia from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, plus the Oskar Blues Bonewagon will be on site from 6-9pm. Thursday is Thirsty Thursday with Happy Hour prices all day long. Plus live music 7-9:30pm and a food truck too (5:30pm - 7:30pm). Friday's live music from Monocle Band after hours 8-11pm. Saturday is Gypsy Cattle Drive live music from 7-9:30pm, and Sunday is an Old Time Jam from 6-8pm. [321 Mountain Ave, Berthoud, CO]

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - Looking for a fun activity this coming Sunday? Sign up in the taproom to join H&D on a "Beers Made By Walking" guided tour of the ‎Gardens on Spring Creek‬ in Fort Collins (2145 Centre Ave) this Sunday, August 3rd at 10am to learn about edible plants that grow wild (or not) in Colorado. [H&D is sponsoring the tour, so it's free to you]. Linsey will also be talking about her inspirations for her in-development Beers Made By Walking recipe. The beer will be tapped along with other Colorado entries at noon on October 3rd at Wynkoop Brewing Co. in Denver just in time for GABF (and will be available in the H&D taproom as well). [1244 Racquette Dr, Ft. Collins, CO]

Southern Front Range

Red Leg Brewing Co (Colorado Springs) - It's Monday again! But, do not fret, Red Leg Brewing is now open on Mondays! In honor of their very first Monday being open, they are offering you ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR! That means $1 off each and every beer you purchase tonight! Also, they are very excited to have WADA WADA out front serving up their delicious Korean inspired cuisine. So come down and celebrate how much cooler Mondays just became! [4630 Forge Rd, Suite B, Colo. Springs, CO]

Mountains and West

Eddyline Brewing (Buena Vista) - It's almost like Christmas came early at Eddyline. Today, they are taking delivery of their new brewhouse equipment. They are expecting 3 huge semi-trailers full of brewing vessels. It almost looks like they are unpacking a Saturn V rocket of those trucks. The equipment was manufactured from Newland Systems in Canada. For pics of all this equipment, check out their Facebook page. Lots more beer coming soon from Eddyline! [102 Linderman Ave, Buena Vista, CO]

Ska Brewing (Durango) - Ska revealed today their new can design for their upcoming "Rudie Session IPA". This 4.5% ABV beer is due out this Friday, August 1st. Ska recognizes the popularity of hop forward, lower alcohol brews. Look for it soon in cans or on draft in a store or pub new you. Ska dares to state "Drinkin' brew for breakfast August 1st". Look for this beer to make an appearance at the upcoming Sesh Fest this weekend in Denver. (Click photo for a larger image)
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Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Craft beer production shows little sign of slowing in the latest mid-year numbers released by the Brewers Association today. Check out all the latest stats on the craft beer industry for 2014 so far.

Brewers Association Reports Sustained Growth for Craft

Small and independent brewers see increase in first half of 2014

[PRESS RELEASE] Boulder, CO • July 28, 2014—Small and independent craft brewers enjoyed continued growth in the first half of 2014, according to new mid-year data released by the Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade association that represents the majority of U.S. breweries. American craft beer production volume increased 18 percent during the first half of the year.

From January through the end of June 2014, approximately 10.6 million barrels of beer were sold by craft brewers, up from 9.0 million barrels over the first half of 2013. (Note: The 18 percent growth rate is based on the updated craft brewer definition1 and derived from comparable barrel total from the first half of 2013. Mid-year figures first reported in 2013 were based on the previous craft brewer definition).

“The sustained double-digit growth of the craft category shows the solidity of demand for fuller flavored beer in a variety of styles from small and independent American producers,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “Craft brewers are providing world-class, innovative products that continue to excite beer lovers and energize the industry.”

As of June 30, 2014, 3,040 breweries were operating in the U.S., 99 percent of which were small and independent craft breweries. Additionally, there were 1,929 breweries in planning. Craft brewers currently employ an estimated 110,273 full-time and part-time workers, many of which are manufacturing jobs, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.

“Coupled with the continued rise in the number of breweries, the market growth of craft brewers highlights the ongoing localization of beer production in the United States,” added Watson. “More and more, people are enjoying the products from America’s small and independent brewers, making this country a true destination for beer.”

Note: In February 2014, the Brewers Association Board of Directors approved changes to the craft brewer definition that go into effect with the 2014 craft brewing data set.

1 An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer that has a majority of its total beverage alcohol volume in beers whose flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. Flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are not considered beers.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Long Live Summer! Colorado craft beer makes Summer even better. Here are some of the known Colorado craft beers released during this past 2 weeks. While this list isn't complete by any means, it does represents a big chunk of the 240+ breweries here in Colorado. Summertime beer fests are in full swing and it's time for lighter, more refreshing seasonal beers to enjoy. Summer seasonals are now being released and some Fall seasonals are almost ready - seek one out at a craft brewery near you. Please note that some of these releases are firkins or specialty kegs and may already be gone.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Today is Culinarians Day. It's a day known for celebrating all those people who work hard to make some of the best food in town. If you see a chef today - go out and thank them for all they do, then spend some time enjoying some of the food they prepare. And pair some of that food with a great craft beer. You can also celebrate Hot Fudge Sundae Day today as well. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Friday, July 25th, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Big Choice Brewing (Broomfield) - Last night there was a new beer tapping - "Matt's Steamed Porter", a test batch you're gonna love. Check it out and always choose wisely. Also find Big Choice at Beer Camp tonight and at the Summer Brew Fest on Saturday. Sunday brings Trivia to the taproom and a Family Movie. [7270 W 118th Pl, Broomfield, CO]

Wit's End Brewing Co (Denver) - The brewery is excited to announce a new beer today - "David Hasselhop", an 8.3% ABV imperial hefeweizen that was dry-hopped with Tettnang hops. Pair that with some food from Pride of Philly Cheesesteaks. Open from 2pm to 8pm today. [2505 W 2nd Ave, Unit 13, Denver, CO] Sponsored ad from City Star Brewing - Berthoud, CO.

Westminster Brewing Co (Westminster) - Westminster Brewing is planning to host their 1st Annual Car Show at the brewery parking lot on Sunday, August 10th from 12pm to 4pm. If you have a car you'd like to show please register at the brewery or call Dianne Taylor (303) 517-6396 or email pdt[at]westminsterbrewingco.com. Registration is FREE and you'll get 2 free beers per car entry. There will be plenty of food, music, prizes and craft beer and plenty of awesome cars. Meanwhile, stop in for some tasty CASK ales today: 1066 ESB, Moses Chocolate Porter, WBC Irish Ale, and Cain (Black IPA). [7655 W 108th Ave, Westminster, CO]

Beryl's Beer Co (Denver) - "Afternoon Delight" is the perfect summer session wheat beer and is now available for a very limited time at Beryl's Beer Co. Incidentally, it reportedly goes perfectly with BuckCreek BBQ, who will be there tonight as well. [3120-C Blake St, Denver, CO]

Diebolt Brewing Co (Denver) - Look for Diebolt Brewing at the Denver Summer Brewfest this weekend. Plus, back at the brewery, they will be tapping an experimental ale - Biere Thyme. [3855 Mariposa St, Denver, CO]

Boulder County

Großen Bart Brewery (Longmont) - Progress continues in bringing this new brewery into being. They've recently painted their building's facade and installed their new glass garage door and this week they plan to break ground on their floor drains, electrical and plumbing. Also, after months of searching and interviewing many different candidates they have hired a new Head Brewer Walter Bourque. This self proclaimed "Hop Head" comes with over 5 years of experience in commercial brewing. He helped open and was the head brewer at Bull Ridge brewery in Baker City, Oregon and has since been a brewer at Fort Collins Brewery. He is a nationally ranked BJCP judge (Beer Judge Certification Program). His recipes have landed him several accolades, including his most recent Bronze medal for his Wee Heavy at the US Open Beer Championship. Walter comes from a microbiology background and delivers a plethora of knowledge in fermentation science. He specializes in sours and barrel aged beers, and also has experience in making gluten free beers! Stay tuned for more news as their Fall opening nears. [935 Venice St, Longmont, CO]

Odd13 Brewing (Lafayette) - Love funky brews? Then you'll be glad to know that their "Lafayette Brett", a beer fermented with Brettanomyces is now back on tap. Their particular strain of Brett produces huge tropical fruit flavors paired with the right amount of funkiness and is great on a hot day. Enjoy one this weekend. [301 E Simpson St, Lafayette, CO]

Avery Brewing Co (Boulder) - The Tasting Room will tap a special brew at 5pm - Teeeepache! - This is a melting pot of nationalities in a glass. It's named after a traditional Mexican drink made with pineapple and featuring an estery Belgian yeast from a Québécois brewery. Plus - they've got an exciting last-minute addition to the specialty draft list for the 5 Monks Release this Sunday! Grapeless Ape was made from the wort from Récolte Sauvage, before the grapes were added. It's a red sour ale that was 100% barrel fermented and aged 2+ years in a neutral Cab Sauv barrel. [5763 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO]

Northern Colorado

Berthoud Brewing Co (Berthoud) - Their tradition of Friday firkin tappings continue today at 5pm with the tapping of "Carter Cove Strawberry Cucumber". The packed in a mix of strawberry, cucumber, mint, basil and lime into this one. Cool off on their new misted patio. [450 8th St, Suite B, Berthoud, CO]

Black Bottle Brewery (Ft. Collins) - This Saturday, July 26th starting at 11am, Black Bottle Brewery along with Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund (Colorado Chapter) will be pouring their Irish Blonde beer called "Rescue Me". $1 from every Rescue Me sold will be donated to their cause. Come drink a beer and help firefighter families in need. [1611 S College Ave, Unit 1609, Ft. Collins, CO]

Broken Plow Brewery (Greeley) - Today, Broken Plow is tapping their new "Honeybanero" brew. Get your spice on with this brew. Plus, live music from Ethan Stephenson tonight at 7pm with Elements food truck serving pizza. And on Saturday, Wing Shack makes their debut at The Plow. Spend some of your weekend at Broken Plow and relax on their patio. [4731 W 10th St, Greeley, CO]

Hardihood Brewing (Ft. Collins) - An announcement was made today that owners Kevin & Cathy have decided NOT to open a brewery in Fort Collins after all. Reasons include the high cost of leasing in the area. They have no plans to open a brewery elsewhere at this time. Sad to hear of this news.

Funkwerks (Ft. Collins) - What can Funkwerks do with a Randall? Well two things come to mind today, 1) Infuse lemon, basil and pink peppercorn into their Saison. And 2) Infuse cranberry and squash blossoms into their Tropic King. If Randall infusions like these sound great, stop in and ask for one. You'll be pleasantly surprised! [1900 E Lincoln Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

Crabtree Brewing Co (Greeley) - TGIF! And with the coming of Friday brings another Friday Firkin. This week's firkin is a Peach Habanero Red. This one will tap around 6:00pm tonight. Plus a full tap wall full of tasty Crabtree brews. [2961 W 29th St, Greeley, CO]

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) - I smell BACON! This week's firkin will be a bacon lover's delight. Travis has tapped a Maple Bacon Snow Drop. If you're lucky, they may even have some leftover bacon from earlier today. Grimm Bros also now has new globe and hefeweizen logo glasses for sale for $8 each. There regular logo pint glasses are just $5. [623 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO]

Southern Front Range

Smiling Toad Brewery (Colorado Springs) - Stop in today for a special release of their new "Mole' Ole'", an imperial stout with chocolate (cocoa nibs) and chilies (ancho and habanero). A bit of sweet n heat! [3668 E Bijou, Colo. Springs, CO]

Kannah Creek Brewing Co (Grand Junction) - Last night Kannah Creek tapped their version of the "Colorado Simultaneous Saison". They brewed this recipe at the same time on the same day as 5 other Colorado breweries! Including Strange Craft Beer Company, The Very Nice Brewing Company, Echo Brewing Company, Butcherknife Brewing Company, Pikes Peak Brewing. You don't want to miss out on this Collaboration beer! [1960 N 12th St, Grand Junction, CO]

Hideaway Park Brewery (Winter Park) - Two new brews over the last few days are now available. Stop in and try their Pocket Rocket Red, a dry red ale with toffee hints, or try their brand new BreBrewIPA, a hoppy brew with huge citrus notes. [78927 US Hwy 40, Winter Park, CO]

Carbondale Beer Works (Carbondale) - It's Mountain Fair weekend at the Beer Works. They have a full lineup of music this weekend. Friday 4-6pm Williams andn Morris Acoustic on the patio, Friday 9pm The Mile Markers. Saturday 4-6pm Jesse Steere on the patio, and Saturday 9pm The Guilty Pleasure. They will be tapping their new Razz-Berry Cream Ale and an Imperial Red this weekend as well! They'll also be smoking ribs all weekend. Stop in! [647 Main St, Carbondale, CO]

Storm Peak Brewing Co (Steamboat Springs) - There's a new Belgian-style Pale Ale that was just tapped today in their tasting room. They are looking for suggestions on what to name it, but you've got to try one first to see what it's all about. This one weighs in at 6.2% ABV and 45 IBUs. [1744 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO]
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Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Today is National Tell an Old Joke Day. In honor of this day, here is a joke that has a local twist to it. A bum walked into a very chic pub and ordered a beer. Discreetly, the bartender informed him, "We do not serve riff raff here." To which the bum responded, "Then what brands do you serve here?" - Dig up an old joke that you once told years ago and tell it again. Who knows, there might just be someone who hasn't heard that one yet. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Thursday, July 24th, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Living The Dream Brewing Co (Littleton) - There's a big hoppy brew set to tap tomorrow on Friday, July 25th at 3pm. Stop in for a taste of their new Double IPA. It's nearly 10% ABV and upwards of 140 IBUs. Hop lovers need only apply. [12305 Dumont Way, Unit A, Littleton, CO]

Mockery Brewing Co (Denver) - Mockery Brewing just made another big move in their effort towards opening in Denver. They just announced that Justin Burnsed will be joining the Mockery Brewing team as their Head Brewer. Justin’s background includes the Master Brewer’s Program at UC Davis, internships at Stone and BrewDog, and most recently Brewmaster for Prospectors Brewing in Mariposa, California. Justin is also a blogger and feature writer for Brew Your Own magazine. Look for this brewery to open late August/early September this year. [3501 Delgany St, Denver, CO] Sponsored ad from City Star Brewing - Berthoud, CO.

Former Future Brewing Co (Denver) - Shhhh! Mums the word, but Former Future is planning to release a barrel-aged sour blonde ale this Saturday, July 26th. Federation members can get an early pour on Friday. Just ask for a "Golden Feather". If you want this to stick around then don't tell anyone m'kay? [1290 S Broadway, Denver, CO]

Station 26 Brewing Co (Denver) - Not all firkins turn out as planned. Station 26 had to cancel their firkin tapping today as the addition of blackberries and pluots to their West Coast IPA caused some massive over carbonation and a big mess on the brewery floor. Alas! But fear not, they'll do another firkin next week.

CAUTION: Brewing Co (Lakewood/Denver) - Don't forget their 1st Beer & Cheese Mixer at CAUTION: West tonight from 7pm to 9pm. For $25, you get some amazing pairings with exotic cheeses and as a bonus, they have a brand new Thursday ExBeeriment - a Sorachi Ace Saison. This beer will be available at both tap rooms. [West: 1057 S Wadsworth Blvd #60, Lakewood - East: 12445 E 39th Ave, Unit 314, Denver, CO]

Diebolt Brewing Co (Denver) - July's Bottled Lighting Club release is "Ex-Pat French Martinique", a French ale made with hefeweizen yeast and pineapple concentrate. Members can pick up their bottles today. They also kegged up and filled a barrel with a new batch of Saison Voila. [3855 Mariposa St, Denver, CO]

Hops & Pie (Denver) - What's new on tap at Hops & Pie today? How about a glass of Hottenroth from The Bruery, or Double Chin Wag from Hogshead Brewery, or Racer 5 from Bear Republic! Pair that with their slice of the day: Korean BBQ Pulled Pork, Pineapple and Goat Cheese. [3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO]

Denver Summer Brew Fest (Denver) - Another big festival is happening this weekend across 2 days (July 25-26) - the annual Denver Summer Brew Fest! Tickets are still available for this event located at Mile High Station. More info and ticket links on the Beer Fest Calendar.

Black Sky Brewery (Denver) - Today the brewery has tapped a brand spanking new beer. It's their "Denver Black Sky Kolsch" coming in at 4.4% ABV and 22 IBU. They brewed this beer in honor of the most brutal metal festival in the land coming to the Gothic Theatre August 2nd and 3rd. Black Sky Brewery still has tickets to the show available at the brewery with no service fees! 2-day regular pass is $50 and 2-day VIP is $75. Only a few VIP left! [490 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO]

Mu Brewery (Aurora) - Tomorrow, July 25th at 5pm, Mu Brewery will be tapping its first small batch brew. Stop in and try some of their new Chili Beer. And stay tuned for more small batches. Next week on August 1st they'll tap a Raspberry Stout and a Black IPA. [9735 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO]

Arvada Beer Co (Arvada) - Today's Brewer's Limited Reserve is a Strong German Dunkel, 8.5% abv that has been aged in a Syrah wine barrel for the last 6 months. One of the best barrel aged beers they reportedly have ever made. Get down there and let them know what you think of it! [5600 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO]

Epic Brewing (Denver) - Coming up next Wednesday, July 30th is a special Beer & Chocolate Pairing event at Epic Brewing in Denver. For just $10 you can sample a variety of beers & chocolates. Sign up at Epic Brewing or email jennie[at]epicbrewing.com to reserve your spot. RSVP required. In the meantime, stop in this Friday for a special tapping of "Wild Peaches", a peachy sour ale - starting at noon. [3001 Walnut St, Denver, CO]

38 State Brewing Co (Littleton) - Their Littleton Kölsch is back on tap today! It's a great beer for a hot day. They also have an American Wheat, S. Broadway IPA, Bike It Off Bitter, Chocolate Stout and ESB also pouring in the taproom. The Rolling Italian food truck will be there from 4pm to close. Beer, dinner and a relaxing Thursday with friends. Also, come out this Saturday from 1-4pm as 38 State will be hosting an event for the South Platte Valley Humane Society. Furry friends will be in attendance, so feel free to bring your own by for an afternoon of sun, suds, and helping out a great cause! [8071 S Broadway, Suite A, Littleton, CO]

Boulder County

Avery Brewing Co (Boulder) - Progress is being made on their new, greatly expanded facility in Boulder. Four of their brand spanking new fermenters are being shipped from Bürgstadt, Germany at this very moment. These vessels can store up to 714,240 pints of beer! That should help keep their beer in stock once they open the new facility sometime next year. Don't forget about the Five Monks Quintupel release this Sunday at 11am! And also their 21st Anniversary Party on Sunday, August 3rd! [5763 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO]

Sanitas Fest 2014 (Boulder) - This Saturday marks the inaugural Sanitas Fest at Sanitas Brewing in Boulder. This is a one day, Boulder-style celebration of craft beer and music. Enjoy music from 6 different bands from 2pm to 10pm. Tickets start at $8 and go up to $45 for a VIP experience. Tickets available on Eventbrite. [3550 Frontier Ave, Unit A, Boulder, CO]

Northern Colorado

1933 Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - Beer lovers will want to stop in today for Taster Tray Thursday. Order a taster tray and get $2 off all day. Be sure to get their new Saison as that is getting tapped today! Stats: 6.6% ABV and 33 IBU. First you are attracted to its copper color and sophisticated marriage between hops, barley, and French Saison yeast. Then you're greeted by a wonderful aroma of lemon, orange peel and black pepper. Hope you like to dance because flavors of goji berries and currants will be dancing in your mouth. This date might seem slightly bitter at the end, that's from the Pacific Jade hops, but visions of a nice stroll in grassy fields hand and hand will keep you wanting more. Open today from noon to 9pm. [4025 S Mason, Ft. Collins, CO]

Verboten Brewing (Loveland) - Thursday's special is $1 pints of their "5 Second Frencher" Lemongrass Wit. The taproom opened at 1pm and the pizza will arrive at 6pm. Grab some 'za while it lasts. Heads up for Friday - Bottlecap BBQ will be on hand tomorrow. [1550 Taurus Ct, Loveland, CO]

Crow Hop Brewing Co (Loveland) - An old friend is back on tap today - "Big Water Brown" is now available once again. For those of you who have missed it you can once again enjoy a pint. [271 E 3rd St, Loveland, CO]

Berthoud Brewing Co (Berthoud) - For Throwback Thursday, anyone who stops in wearing tie dye clothing will get $1 off beers all night! Come on, you still have one of those shirts somewhere right? [450 8th St, Suite B, Berthoud, CO]

Big Thompson Brewery (Loveland) - Construction is well underway at this upcoming new brewery in Loveland, CO. Trenching for the floor drains has begun. In addition to the brewhouse, they will house a 12' x 27' walk-in cooler, and a tasting room with seats for up to 52 people Look for this brewery to open sometime this Fall. [114 E 15th, Loveland, CO]

Southern Front Range

Red Leg Brewing Co (Colorado Springs) - Starting this Monday, July 28th, Red Leg Brewing will be open 7 days a week. Your Mondays and Tuesdays just got way better in the Springs! Stop in tonight for a beer and some food from Bite Me Gourmet Sausage. [4630 Forge Rd, Suite B, Colo. Springs, CO]

Mountains and West

Bonfire Brewing (Eagle) - Once again, the brewery is excited to partner with the "Man of the Cliff" competition event. This year's edition of the Wood Splitter Pilsner is coming at ya in 22 ounce form sometime around early/mid-September. They are also tripling the number of kegs to keep everyone's beard well oiled September 27-28. [127 Second St, Eagle, CO]

Crazy Mountain Brewing Co (Edwards) - [PRESS RELEASE] Crazy Mountain Brewing Company announces the release of “Lawyers, Guns & Money Barleywine”, a 10% ABV barleywine available in a four-pack of 12 ounce cans. To date, there have only been 4 barleywines released in cans, each for a one-time or extremely limited run. Lawyers, Guns & Money Barleywine cans will be packaged year-round to satisfy your hoppy cravings and is the first barleywine in a can produced in Colorado. For this special barleywine, Crazy Mountain uses an assortment of crystal malts and throws a little Belgian candi sugar into the Brew Kettle to give a hearty maltiness. Dry hopping with American hops gives this English style a refreshing American twist. Following their release of Lawyers, Guns & Money Barleywine, Crazy Mountain is also announcing the debut of Old Soul Strong Belgian Golden Ale in canned 6-packs. This light bodied Belgian beauty packs a punch at 7.6% ABV, but is very easy drinking and pleasant in warm weather. A robust amount of wheat gives this ale a very smooth mouth feel that is accompanied by a fruity yeast character. Belgian candi contributes to this brew’s light body and complex flavor. European hops team up with Juniper berries to offer a soft, subtle spiciness. Old Soul is the first canned Strong Belgian Golden Ale in the state of Colorado and the third in the country. [439 Edwards Access Rd, B-102, Edwards, CO]

National News

#IPAday (Nationwide) - It's back! Coming up this Thursday, August 7th is the return of IPA Day. Celebrate one of America's most asked for craft beers! Each year since 2011, #IPAday has been celebrated at bars, breweries, tap houses and restaurants for a wonderful 24 hours of super hoppy beers! When you celebrate #IPAday, be sure to use the hashtag #IPAday whenever you post on social media. Embrace the Hop and dive deep into IPAs that day. Brought to you by @TheBeerWench. Also visit IPADay.org.
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